negril,barbados,grenada
 

Hi,i posted this subject once before.Still undecided about where to go for anniversary.It seems all these places have non-stop air service from new york.Looking for nice beaches,decent snorkeling,exploring,watersports.Also it has to be very casual,flip flops&shorts.Was originally going to book coco lapalm negril but still not sure.Grenada looks very interesting also.I know you cant predict the weather but what island of these 3 would have the best weather around the second or third week of november.Love the idea of walking negrils beach and stopping in some small huts or bars for a couple red stipes.Does grenada or barbados have that same atmosphere.please help,Thanx

still looking for help!

Not having been to Grenada or Barbados, but from research alone, I think they are pretty different from one another. I have been traveling to Negril since 1985 and staying at Coco La Palm since 2002....it has become our destination of choice for the casualness, beach and beach bar "hopping". It truly has that "away from everything" factor that is important in our Caribbean travel.

The only of the three I've been to is Grenada. It's a beautiful island, friendly locals, some stunning beaches, great hiking. But, what we never did find was a good beach bar we wanted to hang at. It's been a couple years since we were there, maybe some have popped up in the meantime.

We're planning a trip to Negril the first part of December. I like the idea of all the beach bars as well.

Our favorite spot is San Pedro Belize, although the beach is probably not as nice as what you are looking for.

I've been to Negril and Barbados. Bds doesn't have the long stretch of beach that Negril has, but IMO, is much nicer because of a) the poverty is worse in Jamaica and b) you can rent a car and drive all over Bds (most do not do this in Jam).

The ride from the airport to Negril is long.

If you base yourself on the south coast of Bds (St Lawrence Gap area) there are tons of little bars and funky restaurants that do not require you to dress up.

We love the Gap area. The beaches are great with wave action for boogie boarding and body surfing!

Peace, Greenie

I really enjoyed Grenada...I have been 5 times and it is because of the 13 islands I have stayed on it was the most West Indian with the least amount of Tourist run Americanization...the culture is strong and welcoming and the people are wonderful while the physical geography of the island is fantastic.

I loved Negril for its real Caribbean escape feel and I found Jamaicans to be wonderful people. I stayed on the north coast and this was 10 years ago so I didn't find the poverty bad or the island unsafe - I drove from Negril to Port Antonio in a rental car (staying in Ocho Rios) and had no problems...but everyones experience is different because with regard to Bbdos...

I found it to be very expensive of all the islands I have visited and less for in between options... As I was staying with friends I used Grocery stores like Emerald City and was surprised by how expensive it is....however I seem to stand alone on this opinion...Have a wonderful time they are all great places!

I will also recommend Coco LaPalm! Stayed there many times- all top notch. The staff makes you feel right at home, and know your name and drink in no time! It's also very well located, in the middle of the 7 mile beach, which makes it easy to get out and about to everything. Negril is very laid back, definitly shorts and flip-flops kind of place. I haven't been to the other spots so I can't recommend or not. I just know Jamaica and Coco are my home away from home in paradise!!

Chesney